Schools Disrupted By Weather Wait For Spring

With yet another day of bad roads in the northeast Tuesday, many drivers are no doubt waiting for a warm-up.

School administrators are waiting for melting snow too. Northeast districts have had several partial days because of the weather this year. With the end of the school year approaching, teachers want weather that allows more time with students, not less.

Kids at Tiospa Zina Tribal School near Sisseton know what a school day disrupted by weather feels like. They've had nearly a dozen this winter, three this month alone. That's why teachers find some hope in at least some forecasted warmer days.

"With the snow and any time the wind comes up in this Sisseton Coteau area, they could change the complexion of things in a hurry," teacher Cory Jensen said.

The school alters its schedule during partial days so students have at least some time in each class. But teachers like Jensen say those missed minutes are valuable.

"We're trying to get ready for Dakota STEP testing, which is going to be in three weeks so when we're let out for weather, our kids are sort of being cheated on that time," Jensen said.

The school has already reached the maximum amount of time it can miss in a year. The superintendent is asking board members to turn two days of spring break into classroom time.

That might not be the most popular decision with students. But teachers say even some of them are eager to be in school after a lot of missed time.

"Spring could come any time that's for sure," Jensen said.

Those at the school know warming weather this week could be followed by more school disrupting weather before winter ends.

Of its disrupted school days, Tiospa Zina cancelled classes five times. And students were hardly in school a couple hours before an early dismissal in February.